VA Minimum Property Requirements checklist
VA's Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) make sure the home is safe, structurally sound and sanitary. They're not a cosmetic standard. Here's what the appraiser looks at:
Safe access. The home can be reached from a public or private street, with a permanent easement if the road is private.
Roof. Keeps water out and has reasonable life left. It doesn't have to be new.
Structure. No significant structural problems, such as foundation failure, sagging framing or excessive dampness.
Heating. A safe heating system that keeps the living areas reasonably comfortable.
Water and sewer. A safe, drinkable water supply and adequate sewage disposal, public or private. Wells and septic systems may need testing depending on local rules.
Electrical. Safe and adequate for the home, with no exposed or hazardous wiring.
Living space. Adequate space for living, sleeping, cooking and dining, and a working bathroom.
Crawl space. Accessible, ventilated and free of standing water and debris.
Wood-destroying insects. In areas VA designates, a termite or pest inspection is required. Active infestation or damage must be treated and repaired.
Paint on older homes. On homes built before 1978, peeling or chipping paint must be corrected because of lead risk.
Health and safety hazards. Nothing that threatens the occupants' safety, such as missing handrails on steep stairs or nearby environmental hazards. Homes in a flood zone need flood insurance.
Cosmetic issues, like worn carpet, dated kitchens or interior paint on newer homes, aren't MPR items.
What changed in May 2026
For VA appraisals ordered on or after May 1, 2026, VA's update to its Lender's Handbook (Change 46 to VA Pamphlet 26-7) removed several requirements that used to hold up closings:
Detached sheds and outbuildings
Detached sheds, outbuildings and detached garages no longer have to meet Minimum Property Requirements. The appraiser can still call out a genuine safety hazard.
Exterior paint on homes built after 1978
Peeling exterior paint on a post-1978 home is no longer a required repair. Defective paint on pre-1978 homes still has to be fixed.
Interior paint
VA made it explicit that interior paint on post-1978 homes is cosmetic, not a required repair.
Radon certification on new builds
Builders no longer have to certify radon-resistant construction. A radon test during your home inspection is still the best way to check.
Oxygen depletion sensors
The certification requirement for non-vented heaters was removed.
Appraisal fees
VA updated its appraisal fee schedule, which sets the maximum fee by state.
What didn't change: the appraisal still confirms value, the core safety, structure and sanitation standards still apply, and pre-1978 homes still need peeling paint corrected.
How the VA appraisal works
- 1
Your lender orders the appraisal through VA. VA assigns an appraiser from its approved roster. Your lender can't pick one.
- 2
The appraiser schedules a visit, usually through the listing agent, and inspects the home and the neighborhood.
- 3
If the value looks low, Tidewater kicks in. Before finalizing, the appraiser notifies your side, and your agent has two business days to send better comparable sales.
- 4
VA issues the Notice of Value. The NOV states the appraised value and any repairs required before closing.
In most metro areas, the appraisal comes back in about a week after the appraiser receives the assignment. Rural areas often take longer, and some remote areas can take up to 21 business days. It fits inside a 30-day closing.
If the appraisal requires repairs
When something doesn't meet MPRs, the Notice of Value lists it as a required repair. The loan can't close until the repair is completed and verified, usually with a short re-inspection.
- Who pays is negotiable. Sellers often cover required repairs, but you and the seller can agree on another arrangement, subject to your lender's rules.
- Plan for the time. Repairs and the re-inspection have to fit before your closing date, so start them right away.
- If the seller won't fix it, you can renegotiate, or walk away under your contract's terms.
If the appraisal comes in low
A low appraisal doesn't end the deal. You have four options:
- Renegotiate. Ask the seller to lower the price to the appraised value, or meet you partway.
- Request a Reconsideration of Value. Ask your lender to submit better comparable sales to the appraiser, with a short explanation of why they fit better. Lenders typically allow one request per appraisal, so make it count.
- Pay the difference. You can cover the gap between the price and the appraised value in cash.
- Walk away. The VA Amendatory/Escape Clause, required in every VA purchase contract, lets you cancel without losing your earnest money if the appraisal is below the price.
VA appraisal vs. home inspection
The VA appraisal is not a home inspection. The appraisal protects the loan; the inspection protects you. Get both.
| VA appraisal | Home inspection | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it protects | The lender and VA | You |
| Main purpose | Confirm value and Minimum Property Requirements | Find problems with the home's condition |
| How deep it goes | Visible conditions that affect safety, structure or value | Systems tested in detail: roof, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, appliances |
| Required? | Yes, on every VA purchase | No, but strongly recommended |
| Who orders it | The lender, through VA | You |
Schedule the inspection early in your contract's inspection period. It may find issues the appraiser will also flag, which gives you time to sort out repairs.
Facing a repair list or a low value? Book a free call to talk through your options.
Book a call →Frequently asked questions
What does a VA appraiser look for? +
Two things: whether the home is worth the price, and whether it meets VA's Minimum Property Requirements for safety, structure and sanitation. That includes a sound roof and structure, safe heating and electrical, safe water and sewer, safe access and, on homes built before 1978, no peeling paint.
What changed with VA appraisals in May 2026? +
For appraisals ordered on or after May 1, 2026, detached sheds and outbuildings no longer have to meet Minimum Property Requirements, peeling exterior paint on homes built after 1978 is no longer a required repair, and certification requirements for radon-resistant new construction and oxygen depletion sensors were removed. VA also updated its appraisal fee schedule.
Is a VA appraisal the same as a home inspection? +
No. The appraisal protects the lender by confirming value and basic property standards. A home inspection protects you by checking the home's condition in detail. Get both.
Who pays for VA appraisal repairs? +
It's negotiable. Sellers often pay for required repairs, but buyer and seller can agree otherwise, subject to lender rules. Required repairs must be completed and verified before closing.
What happens if a VA appraisal comes in low? +
You have options: renegotiate the price, ask your lender for a Reconsideration of Value with better comparable sales, pay the difference in cash, or use the VA Amendatory/Escape Clause to walk away with your earnest money. Before a low value is finalized, VA's Tidewater process gives your side two business days to send better comparable sales.
How long does a VA appraisal take? +
In most metro areas, about a week after the appraiser receives the assignment. Rural areas often take longer, and some remote areas can take up to 21 business days.
Related: Do sellers accept VA loans? · VA loan closing timeline · All VA loan guides